Third Tower Montale
Like a silent sentinel rising towards the sky, San Marino’s Third Tower Montale stands out for its elegant pentagonal shape and its history rich in mystery. The last of the three towers dominating Mount Titan’s profile, the Montale represents a fascinating chapter in the history of the world’s oldest republic.
History and Architecture of the Third Tower
Smaller but no less important than its elder sisters, the First Tower Guaita and the Second Tower Cesta, the Montale served for centuries as a crucial defensive outpost. Its strategic position allowed guards to scan the horizon for potential threats, serving as the last bulwark of San Marino’s defensive system.
The tower’s history intertwines with the events of the Malatesta family: 1479 marked a turning point when, with the destruction of Fiorentino Castle, the fortress was gradually abandoned. Before this date, the Montale played a vital role in the defensive communication network, signaling the arrival of travelers and possible dangers through a sophisticated system of signals.
The Secret of the Tower’s Bottom
What makes the Montale truly unique is its grim secret: in its foundations lies a prison known as the “Bottom of the Tower,” a six-meter-deep detention chamber accessible only from above. This peculiar architectural feature, which made it a virtually impregnable prison, is also the reason why the tower is not open for internal visits today.
The Montale Today: A Symbol in Stone and Currency
Although internal access is not possible, the Montale continues to tell its story. Visitors can admire its imposing structure from the outside and enjoy a breathtaking view ranging from the Romagna Riviera to the Montefeltro hills. On clearer days, the panorama becomes a spectacle that more than makes up for the climb.
The symbolic importance of the Montale for San Marino is also reflected in numismatics: the tower was chosen to be depicted on the Sammarinese 1-cent euro coin, testifying to its fundamental role in the historical and cultural identity of the Republic.
Visiting Information
Unlike the other towers of Mount Titan, the Montale can only be visited from the outside. Its slender profile and characteristic pentagonal plan still offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunset hours when the sunlight colors the stone in golden hues.
To reach the Montale, it is recommended to follow the path starting from the First Tower Guaita: a panoramic walk that allows you to appreciate the entire defensive system of the three towers and immerse yourself in San Marino’s millennial history.
A local’s tip: The best time to visit the Montale is during the early morning hours or at sunset, when the raking light creates suggestive shadow plays on the ancient stone and the panorama over the Riviera takes on particularly evocative tones.
